Blind Teens Fight Challenges in New Documentary

National Federation of the Blind Promotes Film to Increase Understanding Among Educators and Public

Baltimore, Maryland (October 25, 2017): Connor wants to be a sponsored skateboarder. Sarah wants to travel the world. Nick dreams of being a rock star. Carina wants to be the first member of her family to graduate high school.

These four teenagers are each trying to achieve their dreams. But they face an additional challenge: they are blind.

Blind people of all ages, their families, educators, and others who face discrimination based on low expectations will learn from these inspiring young people and their stories in Do You Dream in Color?, a new, critically acclaimed documentary. The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Greater Baltimore chapter in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource Center and the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped will host a screening of the film. The event will take place on November 4, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (415 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201). The screening is free and open to the public. The documentary depicts the problems that blind students experience in public schools and other challenges that they face due to low expectations and misconceptions about blindness. A town-hall-style discussion with audience questions answered by local blind individuals will follow the showing of the film, and the National Federation of the Blind will give a presentation on resources available to families with blind youth.

Awards and Praise

2017 National Federation of the Blind Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award, Top Prize

Official Selection, Dallas International Film Festival

Audience Choice Award, San Luis Obispo International Film Festival

Advocacy Award, Superfest: International Disability Film Festival

“powerfully human" -- Truth on Cinema

"a film that will touch your head and your heart" -- Unseen Films

“Watching this film made me more determined to fight for blind kids, like my own, against a public education system that too often fails them,” said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “The National Federation of the Blind believes that the stories told in this film will spark discussion and enhance understanding of the true challenges faced by the blind, as well as demonstrating that blindness itself is not the characteristic that defines an individual or his or her future."

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About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at www.nfb.org.

About Enoch Pratt Free Library

Enoch Pratt Free Library provides equal access to information, services, and opportunities that empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all. It serves both the residents of Baltimore with locations throughout the city as well as residents of greater Maryland with its State Library Resource Center.